Berkeley-Jackson County ParkLocation: Huntington, NY
Size: 130 acres
Date of hike: Oct. 9, 2016
I couldn't resist visiting Berkeley-Jackson County Park after hearing about it in the news last week. The story involved a Facebook user named James Rankin who posted a video of himself hiking there six days earlier and finding a "missing persons shrine," according to media outlets. Taped on the trees were over a dozen missing persons posters from various states dating back a decade or more – along with bedding, open cans of food, and remains of an apparent cage or shelter. His video had 1.3 million views in just a week. But a little clip doesn't compare to a firsthand look. And so, off I went despite the drizzle.
Before setting out, I researched the history and habitats of Berkeley-Jackson County Park, but there weren't many details available aside from the recent news. For those wondering, police reportedly
investigated and determined that a neighbor set up the shrine as part of decorations for a Halloween party.
Rankin responded skeptically stating, "What I
wanna know is, if these were party decorations, why have they been there for weeks or months, because it was plainly obvious the
stuff had been there for quite a while." He later added, "Also gotta
wonder what sort of person thinks it's ok to use real missing person posters
of people's lost loved ones as party decor." In addition to those news stories, I did find a little information about the park on Suffolk County's website and in an online trail guide from the Town of Huntington. Both said the following: "The western part of the county park features the remnants of two former sand quarries and is hilly. Further east, the land flattens out."
The hilly park has entrances along Manor Road and Warner Road, the latter of which is just north of Fenimore Lane and just south of Godfrey Lane. That's the one I chose. Parking for a few cars is available on the side of Warner Road. As for hiking, the parcel has six different trails – the longest of which is a mile – and a digital map that's accessible through QR codes posted at the park's three entrances. Before long, I found myself at Manor Farm, which was apparently purchased by the town to serve as the trailhead and link the 20-acre Town Manor Road Park and the 100-acre Berkeley-Jackson County Park in 2000, according to the guide. The town has also restored its exotic animal farm residence to a period circa 1860 and now offers environmental programs there through the local nonprofit Starflower Experiences, Inc.
The hilly park has entrances along Manor Road and Warner Road, the latter of which is just north of Fenimore Lane and just south of Godfrey Lane. That's the one I chose. Parking for a few cars is available on the side of Warner Road. As for hiking, the parcel has six different trails – the longest of which is a mile – and a digital map that's accessible through QR codes posted at the park's three entrances. Before long, I found myself at Manor Farm, which was apparently purchased by the town to serve as the trailhead and link the 20-acre Town Manor Road Park and the 100-acre Berkeley-Jackson County Park in 2000, according to the guide. The town has also restored its exotic animal farm residence to a period circa 1860 and now offers environmental programs there through the local nonprofit Starflower Experiences, Inc.
The hike's highlight for me was seeing the site of the mysterious "missing persons shrine." The closest homeowner made the spot obvious by hanging a number of "Private Property" and "No Trespassing" signs similar to the posters seen in Rankin's viral video. However, these signs weren't laminated like the posters, causing several to get wet and fall apart. Frankly, it was surreal to be there, and I relished every second. I also enjoyed the park's western section, which is quite hilly and has the aforementioned sand quarries. I couldn't help but climb one quarry for a sweet view of a distant water tower protruding over the trees.
Regarding wildlife, you'll find everything from red-tailed hawks to red-bellied woodpeckers, according to the town. Meanwhile, trees include black birch, chestnut
oak and red maple. My music of choice was a shuffle of songs by the Polish progressive metal band Riverside. They've probably been my most-listened-to
band this year due to the recent (and sudden) passing of the group's guitarist Piotr
Grudziński. I truly love their introspective lyrics too.
In closing, Berkeley-Jackson is a cool spot to visit if you live in the vicinity. It's not as scenic as some other local hikes, but the maze of trails and the tall quarries can be fun to explore. The so-called shrine is now gone, but the land itself is more than enough of an attraction.
(Updated: Sept. 21, 2021)
Map: Berkeley-Jackson County Park (Google Maps image)
Parking: 40°50'12.4"N 73°20'42.6"W
Video: Berkeley-Jackson County Park (360-degree view)
I used to live on one of the streets that bordered the park, and I spent countless hours hanging out in, playing and constructing forts in those woods as a kid. The trails have always been unmarked, and at least one is actually now overgrown. There used to be a lot more activity (hiking, horseback riding, motorbiking, cycling) on those woods back in the day. Now it's pretty tame.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know which Native American tribes lived in this forest many years ago?
ReplyDeleteTown of Huntington trail guide claims there was folklore of a Secatogue War camp in the hills.
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